Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer NewsBuffalo Car Accidents Caused By Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 2,840 victims suffered fatalities in distracted driving accidents during 2018 alone. Roughly 9 victims are killed each day in the 1,000 plus car crashes involving distracted drivers. It is no surprise that the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee reported distracted driving as the leading contributing factor in New York State collisions.
What Is Considered Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving happens much more often than you would imagine. Anything that removes a driver’s complete attention from the road is considered distracted driving. Suppose a driver looks at something other than the road, takes their hands off the wheel, or even thinks about something other than driving. In that case, that driver can be regarded as distracted. Below are some common examples of distractions while driving:
- Daydreaming;
- Attending to small children;
- Conversing with someone on the phone or in the car;
- Eating and drinking;
- Applying cosmetics;
- Frequently changing the music;
- Trying to find a destination on your Global Positioning System (GPS);
- Updating social media;
- Constantly checking for phone notifications; and
- Rubbernecking.
Tips To Help You Focus On The Road
It requires a driver’s complete concentration to reach their destination safely. When inattentive drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a split second, the results can be devastating. Texting takes an average driver’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. When traveling at 55 miles per hour, 5 seconds is enough time to drive the length of an entire football field. This explains why texting while driving is 6 times more deadly than driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Here are some crucial tips to avoid all unnecessary distractions behind the wheel:
- Stay alert and concentrate on the road at all times;
- Pullover if your children require attention;
- Eat and drink before entering your vehicle;
- Do your grooming and makeup before leaving the house;
- Save your smartphone for emergencies only;
- Put in the coordinates of your destination in the GPS before driving;
- Keep your phone on silent; and
- Resist the urge to focus on anything for too long while driving past.
Contact Western New York’s Most Elite Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
If you, or a loved one, have suffered injuries or worse in a car crash caused by a distracted driver, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested team is here for you. Our veteran attorneys can provide you with the representation necessary to hold the driver liable for all your damages. We have helped countless car accident victims and their families obtain the compensation that they deserve. Jed Dietrich, Esq., distinguished as a New York Super Lawyer, recently fought to obtain a $1,900,000.00 settlement for a 45-year-old man injured after being rear-ended at a red light. Please get in touch with us now for your complimentary, no-obligation consultation and case assessment. We are available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week by dialing 716-839-3939 or filling out the online consultation form.